Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
